Residents in the loyalist Cluan Place and the nationalist Clandeboye Drive areas of the Short Strand blamed each other for the attacks on Tuesday evening.

Sectarian tensions have been high in the area for some time.

The police said gangs threw nuts and bolts at them.

Residents are frustrated that there appears to be no retribution for those on the republican side who are orchestrating these attacks

Michael Copeland UUP councillor

Sinn Fein councillor Joe O'Donnell said houses in Clandeboye Drive were severely damaged by "a barrage of missiles".

"That included blast bombs, stones, bricks and bottles," he said.

Fireworks were also thrown into Clandeboye Drive during the disturbances.

However, residents of Cluan Place said blast bombs had also exploded near their homes.

Ulster Unionist councillor Michael Copeland blamed republicans for starting the trouble.

"People have got to stop pussy footing around about these sustained nightly attacks from the nationalist side," he said.

"Residents are frustrated that there appears to be no retribution for those on the republican side who are orchestrating these attacks."

The police said they were investigating reports of petrol bombs and other missiles being thrown at houses in Clandeboye Drive and Cluan Place.